Maharashtra is a land where history, culture, and natural beauty meet in remarkable harmony. From the bustling streets of Mumbai to the ancient rock-cut caves of Ajanta and Ellora, the state is home to some of India’s most iconic landmarks. Its forts, temples, and UNESCO World Heritage sites speak of a glorious past, while serene hill stations like Mahabaleshwar and Matheran, along with wildlife havens such as Tadoba, offer refreshing escapes into nature.
Beyond the well-known attractions, Maharashtra surprises travellers with unique gems like the Kaas Plateau’s monsoon bloom, the otherworldly Lonar Crater Lake, and the newly opened Banjara Virasat Museum that celebrates the vibrant heritage of the Banjara community. Whether you’re searching for heritage trails, spiritual journeys, beach getaways, or eco-adventures, this diverse state offers something for everyone. In this guide, we’ve curated 11 must-visit tourist places in Maharashtra—a blend of famous destinations and hidden treasures that capture the very soul of this incredible land.
1) Mumbai: heritage icons + island caves
Mumbai is a masterclass in contrasts—Victorian Gothic and Art Deco skylines on Marine Drive (a UNESCO World Heritage ensemble, inscribed in 2018) and the dramatically carved Elephanta Caves just a ferry-ride away.
Don’t miss: a heritage walk around CSMT (another UNESCO-listed landmark) and the evening sweep of the Queen’s Necklace.
Planning tip: Take the morning ferry to Elephanta from Gateway of India (seas are calmer and caves are cooler).
2) Ajanta & Ellora Caves, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar
Rock-cut art at its zenith: Buddhist murals at Ajanta and the awe-inspiring monolithic Kailasa temple at Ellora are both UNESCO sites—and they sit in and around the city officially renamed Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
Why go: to see painting cycles (Jataka tales) and multi-faith cave architecture spanning centuries in one compact itinerary.
3) Banjara Virasat (Nangara) Museum, Poharadevi—NEW & unmissable
Set in Poharadevi (Washim district)—a sacred seat for the community—the Banjara Virasat (Nangara) Museum opened in Oct 2024 and instantly became one of the most compelling tourist places in Maharashtra for culture lovers. The official site notes a four-storey complex housing 13 galleries dedicated to Banjara history, textiles, jewellery and leaders; a 150-ft Sevadhwaj with an equestrian statue of Sant Sevalal Maharaj; and a daily laser-light show around 7 pm.
The museum was inaugurated by the Prime Minister, underscoring its national cultural significance and boosting Washim’s profile on the state’s heritage map.
Getting there: Poharadevi is best reached by road; the nearest railhead is Karanja (≈35 km), with Amravati also a common approach.
Why go: to experience living Banjara heritage, not just artefacts—ethnography, folklore, and a powerful sense of place where faith and identity meet.
4) Raigad Fort (UNESCO: Maratha Military Landscapes)
In 2025, UNESCO inscribed the Maratha Military Landscapes of India, a serial site that includes Raigad, capital fort of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. A ropeway makes the ascent accessible; the plateau views are stirring even for repeat visitors.
Best for: history lovers chasing living Maratha heritage with a modern access upgrade.
5) Mahabaleshwar & Panchgani
Rolling strawberry farms, misty viewpoints and boating on Venna Lake—Mahabaleshwar and its twin Panchgani remain classic Western Ghats hill stations. The state tourism board highlights their viewpoints, lake, and colonial-era promenades.
When to go: Oct–Feb for clear views; June–Sept if you love dramatic cloudscapes.
6) Matheran (India’s only vehicle-free hill town)
A protected Eco-Sensitive Zone, Matheran bans motor vehicles inside town—so red-mud trails, toy-train whistles and valley viewpoints set the mood. It’s one of Maharashtra’s most unusual, low-carbon getaways.
Good to know: pack good walking shoes; hand-pulled rickshaws and horses do the in-town “last mile.”
7) Lonavala–Khandala with Karla & Bhaja Caves
Yes, the monsoon greenery and ghat lookouts are stars—but the real treasure is early Buddhist architecture at Bhaja and Karla caves (2nd c. BCE onwards). Bhaja’s magnificent chaitya hall is among the earliest of its kind; Karla’s “Grand Chaitya” is monumental.
Bonus: add Lohagad/Visapur forts or a detour to Della for adventure.
8) Tarkarli–Sindhudurg (Konkan coast: scuba + sea forts)
On the Malvan coast, Tarkarli offers clear-water boating, kayaking and scuba—backed by the state-run IISDA dive centre—while offshore Sindhudurg Fort (now part of the 2025 UNESCO-listed Maratha Military Landscapes) anchors the history fix.
Sweet spot: Nov–March for calm seas; monsoon shuts most water sports.
9) Tadoba–Andhari Tiger Reserve (Chandrapur)
Maharashtra’s flagship tiger reserve offers classic teak-forest safaris from gates like Moharli and Kolara. Bookings, zone maps and conservation updates are best checked via official channels.
When to go: Summer (Mar–May) boosts sightings at waterholes; Nov–Feb is cooler.
10) Kaas Plateau (Satara)
Often dubbed Maharashtra’s “Valley of Flowers,” Kaas erupts in wild blooms for a few short weeks post-monsoon. It’s managed with timed e-permits to protect this fragile ecosystem and sits within the UNESCO Western Ghats World Natural Heritage region.
Pro tip: go on weekday mornings; stay on marked trails and respect carrying-capacity rules.
11) Lonar Crater Lake (Buldhana)
A rare hyper-alkaline lake formed by a meteor impact in basalt, Lonar is both a protected sanctuary and a Ramsar wetland of international importance. Temple ruins around the rim add texture to a surreal landscape.
Visit for: geology, birding, and that otherworldly green water.
Conclusion
Maharashtra is more than just a travel destination—it’s an experience that blends heritage, spirituality, adventure, and natural wonder into one journey. From the UNESCO marvels of Ajanta, Ellora, and Mumbai’s heritage precincts to the refreshing hill stations of the Western Ghats and the thrill of tiger safaris in Tadoba, every corner of the state tells a different story. The vibrant Konkan beaches, the surreal Lonar Crater, and the seasonal magic of Kaas Plateau add layers of variety that few places in India can match.
With the addition of the Banjara Virasat Museum at Poharadevi, travellers now have yet another reason to explore Maharashtra—not only for its landscapes and monuments but also for its living cultural traditions. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or someone seeking offbeat adventures, these tourist places in Maharashtra showcase why the state remains one of India’s most rewarding travel experiences. So pack your bags, plan your route, and get ready to discover the many faces of Maharashtra—each more memorable than the last.